UDSD Summer Series: Q&A with Jarrettown Principal Margaret Place

While Upper Dublin students and residents have been enjoying their summer, employees in the Upper Dublin School District have been preparing for the new school year. This Q&A is the third in a series that will ask Upper Dublin principals what their schools and staff have been up to over the summer, and what parents need to know for fall. Also see: and

Upper Dublin Patch: Summer is almost over, and the first day of school is just around the corner. What's new for fall?

Principal Margaret Place: will be continuing with the implementation of  RtII (Response to Intervention and Instruction).  Last year, we successfully implemented this worthwhile program in our primary classes.  This year’s program will include our intermediate grades. We also are working with the Anti Defamation League to institute the “No Place for Hate” program for our school community.   

UDP: Most students and parents don't spend a great deal of time thinking about school over the summer. However, administrators are working year round. What have your school's employees been working on this summer?

MP: Our staff members are very dedicated to their career as teachers.  Summer months bring curriculum work with colleagues across the district, participating in summer course work, and planning for the new school year.  We have also been working on our school schedules, evaluating instructional materials, and working with our PTA members and district administration to plan our newest technology initiatives.   Our custodial staff has done a fantastic job preparing our school for the new year.  All in all, it has been a very busy and productive summer.  

UDP: Unfortunately, the buzzword around public education these days is "budget." What's happened to yours, and how do you think that is going to translate to the students' education?

MP: First and foremost, our district’s goal is to offer a quality education to all of our students.  With our dedicated staff, this will continue through these concerning budgetary times.  The change in our budget has prompted our entire district to examine our annual purchases and utilize our funds in the most beneficial manner that will support the education of our students. 

UDP: We understand that some class sizes at Jarrettown, particularly at the third grade level, are increasing. Is this a cause for concern?

MP: We are very fortunate to have a board policy that supports smaller class sizes.  We have been monitoring our enrollment throughout the summer.  This past week, the Board of Directors approved an additional third grade class, due to increased enrollment over the summer. 

UDP: Let's forget about budgets for a moment and create a new buzzword for your school. If you had to positively describe Jarrettown in a few words or less, what would it be?

MP: Wonderful students, involved parents committed to their children’s education and a very dedicated and enthusiastic staff 

UDP: In the past year, we've seen a lot of public debate on nutrition education and school lunches at the district school board meetings. Where does nutrition rank as a priority for your school, and have any initiatives recently been introduced?

MP: Nutrition is very important in our school and our district.  A nutrition committee has been established to address concerns and to continue to strive to offer well balanced, nutritional meals through our school lunch program. We also will be creating a Jarrettown nutrition committee this coming fall. In the past year, our menu has increased to include “lifestyle” lunches.  We have also had monthly samplings of new foods, which has been very positive.  One of our favorites was introducing “jicama”, a vegetable similar to turnips, to our students at Jarrettown. 

Patch thanks Margaret Place, along with all district principals, for her participation.